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Training to be a solicitor - am I too old?
RedRose9191
Posts: 748 Forum Member
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Basically it's always been a dream of mine to work in the legal profession, particularly as a solicitor. When I was 17, I actually started applying for college courses with the aim of going to university afterwards to study Law, however my dad put me off the idea and told me I wasn't good enough to do it. That knocked my confidence a lot so I abandoned the idea.
Right now I'm claiming JSA and have been since March after my hours were cut down at work to a ridiculous seven hours a week. Before that I used to work full time. Since then I've been thinking a lot and I still would like to be a solicitor. I went to a college open evening last week for a HEFC course and they've accepted me to start it in September but there's this nagging thought in the back of my head that tells me I'm too old and I'm just crazy for even thinking about it.
I'm 22 now and if all goes to plan, will be 23 when I go to university next year, so I'll be 27 by the time I even get to become a trainee solicitor. My dad thinks I'm too old, which he keeps bringing up randomly in conversations and suggesting if I wouldn't want to be a nurse/teacher/midwife/*insert profession here* instead :rolleyes: none of which I have any interest in.
So am I just crazy in wanting to train at this age? You can tell me if I am
Right now I'm claiming JSA and have been since March after my hours were cut down at work to a ridiculous seven hours a week. Before that I used to work full time. Since then I've been thinking a lot and I still would like to be a solicitor. I went to a college open evening last week for a HEFC course and they've accepted me to start it in September but there's this nagging thought in the back of my head that tells me I'm too old and I'm just crazy for even thinking about it.
I'm 22 now and if all goes to plan, will be 23 when I go to university next year, so I'll be 27 by the time I even get to become a trainee solicitor. My dad thinks I'm too old, which he keeps bringing up randomly in conversations and suggesting if I wouldn't want to be a nurse/teacher/midwife/*insert profession here* instead :rolleyes: none of which I have any interest in.
So am I just crazy in wanting to train at this age? You can tell me if I am
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The only thing I would suggest to be cautious of is how you support yourself whilst undertaking the degree. Student loan is probably the way to go but I'm a million miles from being any use when it comes to student finances. Once you've worked out how you do this bit (because you won't be able to claim Jobseeker's Allowance whilst studying) then I'd be going for it.
Good luck.
I'd play it safe and train to be a midwife, there's a huge demand for midwives and they are always needed
Law always seems to be so glamorous. (Note people who are doing a "law degree" always have to tell you even though it seems 50% of the student population are doing them these days!!)*
Go and do law at university if that's what you really want... but expect to chase a training contract for years! (have a look at the website rollonfriday to see how much trouble some people have!)
Plus the amount of regulation and paperwork you have to complete is unreal!
*ok so that is a slight exaggeration!!
encouraging.
If things don`t work out at least you won`t have the `if only` regrets. Go for it, have a go - it is the only way to find out if the law is for you.
But I don't want to be a midwife
I just think I've got to at least try, even if it doesn't work out.
That to me seems pretty favourable to the OP - that's a one in two chance of getting a contract, thinking about how many people apply for other jobs and don't get through I think the figures you quote are excellent.
This made me laugh!!
Up there with the best silly advice.
Really? You are basing it purely on people only trying for one year. Here is the reality of the scenario:
Year 2000 10,000 chasing contracts, 5,000 unsuccessful. 5000 try again following year.
Year 2001 another 10,000 graduates plus the 5000 from the year before who are trying again. Still only 5000 contracts 2,500 from 2000 try again, 5000 from 2001 try again.
Multiply on and on....
And 22 is really young. I am thinking about a degree and I'm 45 with a 10 yr old son :eek:
Follow your instincts and go for it
http://www.lawgazette.co.uk/opinion/comment/the-training-contract-lottery
It's really not an easy path (I'm on it!!!)
"contract, business, commercial etc" lawyers are all solicitors, just not necessarily in private practice in a law firm. People work in-house at big corporations or specialise, but they still have to qualify to practice, and that includes training. Training contracts can be found at all sizes of firm and even some in-house legal departments as well as the Government Legal Service, but a training contract still has to be completed.
The distinction in terms of training is between barrister and solicitor, not between the types of law practised.
There are other legal roles too, such as paralegals, which don't require training contracts, but they're not at the same level.
Completely different industry but i'd say go for it
If you want to play it safe don't go into midwifery. The course is extremely hard to get onto, and if the OP isn't really interested they'll see right through her and there's no way she'd get in. There's not a huge demand for midwives either. There is a massive shortage yes but that doesn't mean the NHS are paying out for more jobs, because they aren't. There are newly qualified midwives out there who take ages to get a job, although some areas are better than others. Plus midwifery isn't the sort of job you should go into unless you really want it because it's seriously tough. <climbs off soap box>
OP, your dad is being ridiculous. Why is 27 too old to be a solicitor but not too old to be a teacher or a midwife?
It seems like your dad is bitter about his own life and he's taking it out on you. Don't listen to his negativity.
Yeah that was some random advice from Zenton!!
Definitely go for it if it is something you are interested in, 22 is no age at all to start a course for this type of career. One thing you should look at when thinking about which university to study at is how much help they can provide in getting you into the world of work once you have qualified, some universities have excellent links with the business community which they use to get their graduates into trainee roles. It's definitely something to consider.
Good luck:)
I'm not going the read anyone else's advice before responding be ause I feel that strongly about this.
22 is not too old to pursue ANY career with the possible exception of being a child model/actor!
You will probably have to work for another 50 years. For goodness sake let it be something you love.
My unequivocal answer to you is to go for it. Do not be held back by family members with their own hang ups and agendas.
I hope I see you back on here in a few years time celebrating your graduation. Seriously, go for it . Please!